Spotlight & Giveaway: IN BED WITH A ROGUE by Samantha Grace

Spotlight & Giveaway: IN BED WITH A  ROGUE by Samantha Grace

Hi, everyone! I’m Samantha Grace, author of the historical romance series Rival Rogues. I’m very excited to be at Misty’s Book Bin and eager to chat with everyone. I’ve known Misty for a couple of years, ever since she contacted me before my debut book hit shelves in 2012. Her message was so encouraging, and she hasn’t stopped being a source of support and encouragement. I’m a lucky author!

Today I want to share an exclusive excerpt from my latest book IN BED WITH A ROGUE. I hope you enjoy it!

He's the Talk of the Town

The whole town is tittering about Baron Sebastian Thorne having been jilted at the altar. Every move he makes ends up in the gossip columns. Tired of being the butt of everyone's jokes, Sebastian vows to restore his family's reputation no matter what it takes.

She's the Toast of the Ton

Feted by the crème of society, the beautiful widow Lady Prestwick is a vision of all that is proper. But Helena is no angel, and when Sebastian uncovers her dark secret, he's quick to press his advantage. In order to keep her hard-won good name, Helen will have to make a deal with the devil. But she's got some tricks up her sleeves to keep this notorious rogue on his toes...

Excerpt

Sebastian glanced sideways at Helena. Her gaze remained straight ahead and her posture was as stiff as a soldier marching in a parade. Sebastian had never been one to dance around a topic. In fact, he’d been told on occasion he had no tact, but he’d always found asking straight questions usually reaped straight answers.

He cleared his throat. “What impediment keeps you from becoming involved with me? I know you are as attracted to me as I am to you.”

“Sebastian.” Surprise and censorship was clear in that one word.

“Be honest. I deserve the truth.” He held his breath, dreading her answer. If she mentioned anything about his family history of mental frailty, he wasn’t certain he could stand to hear it. Not from her.

Her steps slowed until the gap between them and his sister grew even greater. Eventually, Helena stopped. He turned to face her, preparing for the harsh truth and unsure how he would respond.

“Sebastian.” She forcefully exhaled and a pink flush climbed her face. “It’s me. I am the impediment.”

He blinked, not following her.

“I’m afraid.”

“Of me?”

She shook her head. “It’s not like that, at least I’m not afraid of you in the sense you mean. I am afraid of what I might lose if I become involved with you. I never had a moment of freedom until recently and I can’t risk my independence. I just can’t.”

A surge of affection flowed through him. She had nothing to fear from him, and now that he understood her reluctance, his patience returned. “I don’t want to control you, love.”

She gave a rueful laugh. “You would be the only man who hasn’t. First it was my father and then my husband. This is the only time in my life I haven’t had a man making decisions for me, and I’ve found I like that very much.”

“I understand the appeal.”

He wasn’t being sarcastic. Having grown up mostly with his mother and sister for companionship, Sebastian didn’t hold some of the same ideas about ladies and their places in Society as his fellow gents. He believed in protecting and providing for Mother and Eve, but he would never force them into doing something they didn’t agree to. He wanted to ask Helena about her father and husband, so he could reassure her that he was nothing like them, but the middle of the walkway was not a place for such a discussion.

For now, he would just have to prove himself, and he would start by accepting her refusal.

“I promise not to put you on the spot again, Lady Prestwick, but know I will be waiting.” As long as it takes.

Despite his father’s long periods of isolation, he had managed to impart some of his values to Sebastian. Hard work and determination reaps rewards. Determination was in Sebastian’s lifeblood. He had never been one to surrender without a fight or back down from a challenge, but that didn’t mean his only weapon was brawn. He had the advantage of charm and wit, and that was what he needed to win over the ever-more-desirable Helena.

“Shall we?” He offered his arm and a disarming smile.

Her eyes narrowed on him as she accepted his escort. “Thank you, I think.”

“Now, now, Lady Prestwick. No more flattery or I will become too arrogant by half.”

Her smile returned. “Too late, my lord.”

I think we can all relate to having fears—some realistic and others not. I won’t ask anyone to open up about what makes them feel vulnerable, but does anyone have any unusual fears they are will to share? I’ll go first.

I always feel a sense of dread and start running through an escape plan in my mind every time I drive over one of the Mississippi River bridges. And I hate to be in a room alone with some dolls. My sister-in-law has one from her childhood that would freak me out if I walked into a room and saw him sitting in a chair. He has an evil smile!!! LOL

Giveaway

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Giveaway ends September 29th at 11:59 PM CT. Open to Residents of the US & Canada only. Prizes cannot be shipped to PO Boxes. Winner will be selected by Random.org and be notified by email. Winner has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. The product offered for the giveaway is free of charge, no purchase necessary. Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads are in no way associated with this giveaway. By providing your information in this form, you are providing your information to Sourcebooks Casablanca. Sourcebooks Casablanca does not share or sell information and will use any information only for the purpose of this giveaway.

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Bio:

Historical romance author Samantha Grace discovered the appeal of a great love story when she was just a young girl, thanks to Disney's Robin Hood. She didn't care that Robin Hood and Maid Marian were cartoon animals. It was her first happily-ever-after experience and she didn't want the warm fuzzies to end. Now Samantha enjoys creating her own happy-endings for characters that spring from her imagination. Publisher's Weekly describes her stories as "fresh and romantic" with subtle humor and charm. Samantha describes romance writing as the best job ever.

Part-time hospice social worker, moonlighting author, and pilates nut, she enjoys a happy and hectic life with her real life hero and two kids in the Midwest.